Monty Don’s Essential 5pm Winter Watering Rule Revealed
Monty Don, a renowned gardening expert, has shared an important watering rule for those looking to cultivate chillies this winter. According to Don, the timing of watering is crucial for optimal growth, especially during the seedlings’ early development stage.
Monty Don’s 5 PM Watering Rule for Chilli Plants
As winter sets in, January is the ideal month to sow chilli seeds in trays. Don emphasizes that chillies require warmth to germinate effectively. Gardeners can achieve this by placing them on a heated bench or a windowsill that is warmed by a radiator.
Watering Techniques
- Chillies should be sown in seed trays rather than directly in plugs.
- Transplant seedlings as soon as they develop true leaves.
- Pot them into larger containers by March and transfer them to final terracotta pots by May.
It’s essential to provide sufficient water to your chilli plants, but avoid watering late in the day. Don advises against watering after 5 PM. Late watering can lead to waterlogged compost, which suffocates the seeds by preventing oxygen access, ultimately causing rot before they sprout.
Feeding Your Chilli Plants
In addition to proper watering, Don suggests a regular feeding schedule to encourage healthy growth. He recommends using a high-nitrogen fertilizer weekly until the first flower buds appear in June. After this, switch to a high potash feed, such as liquid seaweed or homemade comfrey feed, to maximize flowering and fruit production.
By following Monty Don’s essential 5 PM winter watering rule and feeding practices, gardeners can significantly enhance their chilli growing success this season. Whether you are a novice or an experienced gardener, these guidelines could lead to a thriving crop, full of flavorful peppers.
